Amolatar district authorities on Monday closed two private primary schools over what they called escalating abuses of children.
The schools are King James and Ambassador primary schools in Arwotcek parish, Ayangoga center in Arwotcek Sub County.
Owiny Peter, the district education officer says the learning institutions have also been operating below the minimum standards set by the Ministry of Education.
Owiny says the action followed a report on the situation of the two schools presented to the district stakeholders by Facilitation for Peace and Development (FAPAD), a non-governmental organization advocating against human rights abuses in the district.
Barbra Otuku, a social worker at FAPAD said they discovered that the director for King Jesus Primary School, Patrick Ebil had defiled a 7-year old nursery school child from his school and that he was arrested and remanded. The case is reportedly being followed by FAPAD.
Amolatar resident District Commissioner, Richard Ogwang Odyero confirmed that the closed schools lack proper classrooms and a proper learning environment. The RDC added that the schools have poor sanitation facilities, substandard structures and with unqualified teaching staff.
Ogwang noted that most of the teachers, including the head teacher of King James School, David Obal, are senior two or senior four dropouts. RDC Ogwang also said the closed schools have also been operating illegally and did not have licenses to operate.
He advised the owners of the affected schools to improve or put in place at least the basic requirements if the schools are to re-open.
Ogwang Odyero said that the operation to monitor schools is still going on and more schools will be closed if they do not meet the minimum requirements as set by the ministry of education.
He urged parents not to put the blame on any one, but should instead appreciate the action taken for the betterment of child growth, survival and development.
